title: Fat utilization and arterial hypertension in overweight/obese subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Respiratory Quotient is a parameter reflecting the utilization of the nutrients by a subject. It is associated with an high rate of subsequent weight gain and with the atherosclerosis. Subjects tending to burn less fat have an increased Respiratory Quotient. Aim of this study was to investigate on the relationship between the Respiratory Quotient and the cardiovascular risk factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study we enrolled 223 individuals of both sexes aged 45-75 ys that were weight stable, receiving a balanced diet, and not affected by debilitating disease or cardiovascular disease. The Respiratory Quotient was measured by Indirect Calorimetry. The measurement of the Blood Pressure was obtained by a mercury sphygmomanometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We enrolled 133 female and 90 male. Systolic blood pressure only was positively correlated to the Respiratory Quotient in univariate and multivariate regression analysis (p=0,017). The prevalence of hypertension was significatively different between the quartiles of the Respiratory Quotient, with the highest prevalence in the IV quartile (p=0,024).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High value of the Respiratory Quotient, an index of nutrients utilization, is associated to an high prevalence of Hypertension. It is possible that in the subjects with high Respiratory Quotient and high body mass index, the activation of the renin angiotensin system, in concert to the reduction of the utilization of the endogenous fat stores, could increase the risk of hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Grecia, Viale S, Venuta, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Yvelise
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ferro
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gazzaruso
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Romeo
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Migliaccio
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giustina
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pujia
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Montalcini
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D050177:Overweight / Q000378:metabolism*; D012119:Respiration; D012307:Risk Factors